New Visalia Pickleball Center: Visalia, CA—A 46,000-square-foot indoor pickleball center, poised to be one of the largest of its kind in the region, is set to open its doors to the public by April 2025. Located at 702 S. Bridge St., this ambitious project is spearheaded by Johnny George of J.F. George Enterprises, Inc., who envisions the center as a game-changer for the local sports community.
The facility will house 18 state-of-the-art courts, providing a much-needed venue for one of the fastest-growing sports in America. With over 20 million people nationwide embracing pickleball, George is betting big on the sport’s continued rise in popularity.
“It’s the fastest-growing sport in America today. We’re thrilled to bring this kind of facility to Visalia. This isn’t just a business venture—it’s about creating a hub for the community, a place where people can come together, stay active, and enjoy a sport that’s exploding across the country.” – (George)
The project has seen significant developments since its inception. Initially presented at the Visalia Site Plan Review meeting on March 20, the original plan involved demolishing a 10,000-square-foot building to make way for a new structure. However, plans quickly shifted when a tenant from a neighboring building negotiated an early lease termination, allowing George to incorporate two existing structures into the project.
The result is a center that seamlessly blends a 32,000-square-foot and a 14,000-square-foot building undergoing extensive renovations to meet the needs of the modern pickleball enthusiast.
“Then you’ll have tan around the perimeter of each court. You will have four-foot, high-screen mesh fencing between the courts. We’re grinding all the floors with diamond grinders.” – (George)
The decision to repurpose the existing buildings, rather than starting from scratch, has accelerated the project timeline and shows George’s commitment to efficiency and sustainability. Revitalizing these spaces aims to preserve Visalia’s architectural history while infusing it with new energy.
As construction progresses, the local community eagerly anticipates the opening of the pickleball center, which promises to become a cornerstone of Visalia’s recreational landscape. The center is expected to draw players of all ages and skill levels, offering a mix of open play, leagues, and tournaments.
“People are looking for an experience. They’re looking for an experience in play. They’re looking for an experience in eating. They’re looking for an experience in life.” – (George)
With pickleball’s popularity showing no signs of slowing down, the new Visalia center is positioned to be a premier destination for the sport in Central California. George and his team are confident that the facility will meet the growing demand for pickleball and foster a sense of community and healthy competition among its patrons.
News in Brief: New Visalia Pickleball Center
As the April 2025 opening date approaches, the transformation of 702 S. Bridge St. into a vibrant pickleball center is a testament to the sport’s enduring appeal and the vision of those committed to its growth. In a city with a rich tradition of athletic excellence, this new facility is poised to become a beacon for pickleball enthusiasts far and wide.
ALSO READ: Upcoming Pickleball Hub in Visalia set to Open in 2025
